ABU DHABI (Aletihad)
Al Shira’aa International Horse Show returns for a ninth staging this year but at a new venue – Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi. Held under the honorary presidency of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it will be held outside of its usual Al Ain base between 20-25 January.
Now firmly established as one of the region’s leading international show jumping events, Al Shira’aa International Horse Show continues to grow in scale and ambition. Across six days, the show will welcome more than 350 horses and 150 riders from across Europe, the Middle East and beyond, competing for a combined prize fund in excess of €700,000.
The international programme spans CSI4-W*, CSI2*. CSI Young Horses, CSI Under 25, CSI Juniors, CSI Children and CSI Amateurs, reinforcing the show’s reputation for offering a clear pathway from youth and development classes through to elite-level sport.
The competition schedule features a number of arena highlights supported by long-standing partners of the event.
The Al Futtaim Ride & Drive class returns as a crowd favourite, while the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Speed Derby, inspired by one of the sport’s most iconic classes, delivers fast-paced evening sport under lights.
With the continued support of sponsors, the sporting programme builds throughout the week before culminating on Sunday 25 January at 18:30 with the Al Shira’aa Longines CSI4*-W FEI World Cup Grand Prix, contested over two rounds at heights of 1.55–1.60 metres.
General admission to the show is free of charge, with guests required to register online in advance to join the event. The gates will be open daily from 9am, welcoming fans, families and first-time visitors to enjoy world-class sport in a vibrant and inclusive setting.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the show offers a range of VIP hospitality packages, with catering curated by ERTH, delivering a refined culinary experience throughout the week. VIP rider passes are available from Dh3,500 while full show hospitality packages range up to AED 25,000, offering premium seating, fine dining and exclusive access across the event.
Away from the arena, the show offers a lively atmosphere through its Village, which returns as the social heart of the event. Visitors can enjoy food and beverage outlets, children’s activities, family-friendly entertainment and a curated mix of equestrian and lifestyle brands, ensuring there is plenty to explore beyond the sport itself.
The show forms part of the ever-expanding Al Shira’aa Tour, a global platform dedicated to supporting the equestrian sport at every level.